West Ham re-sign Cole

Cole, 30, who first joined the Hammers in 2006, was released by the East London club in the summer.

West Ham were considering bringing back the free agent to Upton Park at the beginning of September, but decided against doing so after he was unable to prove his fitness.

However, with Cole having worked hard at the club's training ground over the past couple of weeks - along with the blow that Andy Carroll may not play again until the New Year - the Hammers have decided to offer the former Chelsea player a short-term deal until January 2014.

"I'm in an excellent mood, am happy to be back and can't wait to get working with the lads again and start my season off," Cole told the club's official website.

"I've been working hard with the strength and conditioning coach in the gym and he's been really hands-on with me to get me up to standard to train with the team and get my match fitness up as quickly as possible with a view to signing.

"I feel fit and raring to go and it's time to start knocking on the manager's door to get some games under my belt."

Cole, who has won seven England caps, hit 59 goals in 237 appearances during his first spell at West Ham.